Stock Market & Financial Investment News

Buffett explains abstaining on Coca-Cola equity plan vote, WSJ says At the Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.A, BRK.B) annual shareholders meeting, Warren Buffett explained his abstention from voting on an equity compensation plan for executives of Coca-Cola (KO) as "the most effective way to behave for Berkshire," says the Wall Street Journal. Buffett added that he didn't want to "go to war" with Coca-Cola management, which he supports, and he didn't want to endorse a public stance against Coca-Cola's equity plan by a smaller Coke shareholder by voting against it, added the Wall Street Journal. Reference Link

Monster Beverage, Coca-Cola expand distribution agreementIn August 2014, Monster Beverage (MNST) and Coca-Cola (KO) entered into definitive agreements for a long-term strategic partnership to accelerate growth for both companies in the global energy drink category. Under the agreements, Coca-Cola will acquire an approximate 16.7% ownership interest in Monster and will transfer ownership of its worldwide energy business to Monster, which, in turn, will transfer its non-energy business to Coca-Cola. Monster and Coca-Cola will amend their current distribution coordination agreements to expand distribution with Coca-Cola bottlers into additional territories. Upon closing, Coca-Cola will become Monster's preferred distribution partner globally, and Monster will become Coca-Cola exclusive energy play. The transaction, which is subject to customary closing conditions, is expected to close in Q2.

Coca-Cola calls active amid speculation of potential management changes Coca-Cola February 42 and 42.5 weekly calls are active on total call volume of 7K contracts (1K puts) amid speculation of potential management changes. February weekly call option implied volatility is at 21, March and April is at 16, May is at 17; compared to its 26-week average of 18 according to Track Data. Active call volume suggests traders taking positions for large near term price movement.